#readthestain — Public Fediverse posts

Once the initial shock wears off, we can turn it around and use the experience to empower ourselves. We build strength by overcoming adversity.

Then we can help others in similar circumstances - and that is the most healing practice of all.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #focus #positivity #empowerment #strength #empathy

Say we have a crush on someone who drives a red car. It's likely we will start to see red cars everywhere - is that our crush? Omg!

Now imagine we have an expired registration and something illegal in the back seat. Aren't we going to start noticing police cars?

I could extol the virtues of avoiding legal entanglements, but I will not. Be as bad as you want to be.

Simply consider this: What we look for sees us too. This is not just an energetic thing - slight changes in our behavior can have huge impacts "out there."

Perhaps we get a friendly wave from a red car driver who notices our smile. Isn't that better than seeing police lights come on in the rear view mirror?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #focus #positivity #empowerment

"Broken" is a feeling that will pass, not an identity.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #strength #resilience #identity

When are fully relaxed, open, trusting, and accepting of each other, we are in a state of intimate presence.

This is one of the most profound divine joys of human experience, and one that I wish for you.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #intention #acceptance #intimacy #peace #connection

When are fully relaxed, open, trusting, and accepting of each other, we are in a state of intimate presence.

This is one of the most profound divine joys of human experience, and one that I wish for you.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #intention #acceptance #intimacy #peace #connection

Those who feel powerless are not paying attention. Today can be different than all the days that came before.

All we have to do is choose.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #empowerment #choice #decision #action

We don't get upset if the wind blows this way or that way. We tend to enjoy the everchanging nature of shifting winds.

So why do we get upset when things beyond our control change course in life?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #change #peace #acceptance #trust #nature

Do you open the box?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #choice #uncertainty #risk

Ruins remind us of impermanence - the futility of "holding on" to the material things of this world. Everything that rises will fall. Every diamond found will be lost. Nothing stays young and beautiful forever.

Whether this is upsetting or liberating depends on what we value.

Do we speed through time chasing things don't last, or expand time by being fully present in each moment of our lives?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #expansion #impermance #time #choice #focus

Ruins remind us of impermanence - the futility of "holding on" to the material things of this world. Everything that rises will fall. Every diamond found will be lost. Nothing stays young and beautiful forever.

Whether this is upsetting or liberating depends on what we value.

Do we speed through time chasing things don't last, or expand time by being fully present in each moment of our lives?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #expansion #impermance #time #choice #focus

Ruins remind us of impermanence - the futility of "holding on" to the material things of this world. Everything that rises will fall. Every diamond found will be lost. Nothing stays young and beautiful forever.

Whether this is upsetting or liberating depends on what we value.

Do we speed through time chasing things don't last, or expand time by being fully present in each moment of our lives?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #expansion #impermance #time #choice #focus

Ruins remind us of impermanence - the futility of "holding on" to the material things of this world. Everything that rises will fall. Every diamond found will be lost. Nothing stays young and beautiful forever.

Whether this is upsetting or liberating depends on what we value.

Do we speed through time chasing things don't last, or expand time by being fully present in each moment of our lives?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #expansion #impermance #time #choice #focus

Life offers infinite opportunities to serve our higher purpose. Our values provide guides for actions to follow.

Consider: How do my day to day actions honor my core values?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #values #action #intention

Painting a bullseye vastly improves the odds of hitting the target.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #aim #visualization #success #confidence #clarity

We are human, after all.

Why not explore healthier ways of meeting our needs instead of pretending we don't have them?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #growth #acceptance

Things didn't turn out as planned? That's okay. There is an element of chaos in every endeavor.

Rack up the balls, line up a new shot, take a deep breath, and try again.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #success #learning #persistence #intention #patience

Each morning, pause to ask, "How did I do yesterday?" Then tweak the plan for today.

Successful people allow bad days to steer them in a more positive direction. No problem.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #success #learning #tweaks

We just need to look for it.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #joy #happiness

Integrity starts with self sovereignty - the power to choose the direction of our lives and to exercise exclusive control over our emotions, minds, and bodies.

Ask: How able am I to say "no" to things I don't want to do and "yes" to those I do?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #integrity #sovereignty #choice #confidence #strength #intention

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the incomprehensible nature of the universe, choose one star to focus on. In this moment, the star is shining for you, if only because you took the time to notice.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #connection #star #meaning #light #focus

When feeling overwhelmed by darkness, shine a little brighter.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #connection #light #shine #hope #radiate

When feeling overwhelmed by darkness, shine a little brighter.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #connection #light #shine #hope #radiate

When feeling overwhelmed by darkness, shine a little brighter.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #connection #light #shine #hope #radiate

When feeling overwhelmed by darkness, shine a little brighter.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #connection #light #shine #hope #radiate

Beyond all of the languages, writing, words, and thoughts is connection.

Connection is the quiet we encounter in meditation, the awestruck speechlessness of beholding great beauty and glimmers of truth, and the authentic communication between hearts.

It is in this holy place I wish to dwell with you.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #connection #peace #pure #light #holy

Suffering may create a more dramatic story, but no one ever said we have to do it alone. What's hard for us might be easy for someone else. Go ahead and ask.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #positivity #community #strength #help

Not everyone is so competitive that "winning" is the primary motivation.

Perhaps we enjoy learning, watching others grow, or simply spending time with those we care about, sharing an experience together.

When we focus importance solely on being the winner, we actually feel like losers most of the time.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #positivity #shift #experience #winning

To understand patience, consider the source of impatience.

Ask: Where does 'wanting what I want right now' come from?

1. Is it to alleviate a state of lacking? (Suffering)

2. A fear that there won't be another chance unless we grab it right now? (Time limitation)

3. Is there not enough for everyone? (Limited availability)

4. Will others take it before we get there? (Competition)

5. Do we fear we will cease to exist without it? (Survival)

These limiting beliefs strip us of our power and leave us quaking in fear, running blindly in pursuit of things we may not even want.

We claim our power whenever we question our fears and choose respond with calm clarity.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #power #patience #freedom #purpose #calm #clarity

Progress is like a journey toward a faraway destination. Sometimes we need to slow down. Sometimes we need to stop and take a break.

As long as we keep heading in the right direction, we are still on track.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #positivity #patience #progress

Today's challenge is to release preconceived notions of the way things will be and allow life to surprise us.

Stay open.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #positivity

Love breathes in waves.

We feel excitement as one wave builds, and loss when it recedes. Chasing a falling wave is useless because waves can't be caught.

Waves return on their own.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #connection #romance #relationships #timing #patience #faith #love #rhythm #waves

It feels important because it IS important. Consider this an invitation to explore the connection.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #discovery #connection #understanding #growth

It is important to know and be our authentic selves, so we can resist the pressure to conform, please others, or be anything else than who we are.

We honor our spirit by walking away from those who act as if we aren't good enough. Likewise, we should want to see, appreciate, accept, encourage, and love others exactly as they are.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #presence #intention #authenticity #integrity #respect #love

The cure for powerlessness is action. We can be the angels we need, wherever we are, with whatever skills we have.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #presence #hope #action #good #positivity

Welcome all gifts, great and small, with sincere appreciation and notice how quickly joy builds. Giving - compliments, token gifts, and other gestures of goodwill (e.g., listening) has an equally powerful effect.

This is divine reciprocity - one of the ways goodness grows in the world.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #presence #gift #giving #receiving #reciprocity #gratitude #joy

We don't have to compare, compete, or show off. Sometimes the best way to "win" is to smile and say nothing at all.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #presence #intention #privacy #peace #discretion

Patience grants us the peace to slow down to match the pace of others when the connection is important.

Connection is always important.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #presence #connection #peace #patience #relationships

Taking time to enjoy the journey can be far more rewarding than the fleeting thrill of completion.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #journey

These are the three words the devil listens for. "Oh, you're bored? I'll liven things up for you!"

Mind numbing boredom tends to lead to impulsive escapist behavior. Perhaps we'll phone that troublesome lover, use mind altering substances, or do something we might really regret, like gamble or break the law for "kicks."

Living on the edge makes a good story. But thrills don't last and the consequences of risky behavior are never fun.

Ask: Am I engaging in life in a meaningful way? Do I need to add healthy stimulation?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #reciprocity #connection #proactive #selfcare #engagement #riskybehavior

I was struck with a realization that we are all "becoming" throughout our lifetimes.

Our human minds like tidy stories with a beginning, middle, and end - a logical sequence of birth, growth, decline, and death. But this masks the reality that we are simply moving through this lifetime. The growth we experience in our final years is just as important as the first.

We are always becoming who we truly are, even if the outward signs of growth aren't apparent to others.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #philosophy #spirituality #mindfulness #presence #awareness #growth #essence #life #becoming

Once in a while, we get a day where everything makes sense, and we remember why we wanted to do this in the first place.

Allow those shiny moments to erase all doubt.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #presence #purpose #gratitude #validation #ontrack

Perhaps you've perceived this while gazing up at the great bowl of stars on a very clear night.

Everything "out there" is also "in here."

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #meditation #expansion #universe #empowerment #nolimits

Someone once told me I have a "strong personality" because I spoke up about a harmful situation. I'm sure this was intended as an insult, but I replied, "Thank you," and smiled.

If we don't speak up, who will?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #presence #strength #ethics #assertive #voice #power

Life is like a chisel chipping away at our egos. The faster we surrender our righteous indignation in those, "How dare this happen to me?" moments, the less pain we experience on the road to peace.

Spoiler alert: The only thing that breaks is our need to feel important. We are much happier without it.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #presence #surrender #deepen #be #peace #happiness

Whatever we're going through is nothing more than a blip in time. Keep an eye on the horizon to stay motivated.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #refocus #perspective #positivity

Pop out of the day to day routine. Take a good look around.

Ask: Is this situation still serving my needs?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #pause #assess #recalibrate

We expect to find it in a field of flowers or a pretty face, but beauty is everywhere.

Today's mindfulness challenge is to look for beauty when we feel sad, upset, or frustrated. Perhaps we'll find ourselves stuck in traffic. Look around. What do you see? What do you hear? What does the sky look like today?

When we intentionally shift focus from everything that is wrong to anything that is right, we begin to live a more inspired life.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #focus #intention #choice #beauty

First, consider, "Who am I trying to impress (or please)?"

This is our audience.

Then ask, "Is it worth it?"

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #presence #authenticity #self #intention

This is a really big question.

What do you think?

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #connection

Catastrophic thinking focuses on the worst possible outcome and leads us there.

We can interrupt the process by consciously shifting our attention to something positive, including the wisdom gained from a bad experience that will most certainly improve our future.

Today's mindfulness challenge is to pay attention to negative thought patterns, and practice shifting them.

www.catherineiversnorton.com

#ReadTheStain #writer #coach #psychology #spirituality #mentalhealth #mindfulness #awareness #interrupt #thoughts #empowerment #shift